McCartney puts style into the gym with range of sportswear

The creations of Stella McCartney have adorned a galaxy of A-list celebrities atfilm premieres and fashion-pack parties, and are soon to make an apparently unlikely transition to the gym.

The creations of Stella McCartney have adorned a galaxy of A-list celebrities atfilm premieres and fashion-pack parties, and are soon to make an apparently unlikely transition to the gym.

The designer yesterday announced an alliance with Adidas, the sportswear company, to launch a new clothing range. She will create two women's collections a year for the company.

The move marked the first occasion a designer renowned for creations on the catwalk had created an everyday sportswear range for women, Adidas said.

While sipping champagne and nibbling canapés might previously have been the most strenuous activities associated with McCartney devotees, "Adidas by Stella McCartney" customers will be expected to be running, swimming and working out in the gym.

With prices ranging from £27 to £137, her sportswear is likely to be worn by many more women than her expensive designer fashion gear.

McCartney, the daughter of the singer-songwriter Sir Paul, who is regularly spotted cycling around London, said she wanted women to be able to combine style with sport. "Women take both their sports and their style seriously. Why should we have to sacrifice one for the other?" she said.

"Working with Adidas is a lifetime opportunity to give female sports enthusiasts a choice."

The new collection will go on sale in selected department stores in the US, Japan and Europe - including the UK - in February. It is predicted to generate sales of at least €10m (£6.8m) during the next financial year, a company spokesman said.